NOISE IMPACT TO STUDENTS OF ROADSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT RAJSHAHI CITY IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

A high level of noise in classroom impairs verbal communication of students, which have negative effects on the cognitive performance. The high noise can also limit episodic memory of students. In this context, this study was conducted to measure the noise levels and its impact to students in selected roadside government primary schools in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh during May to November, 2022. The noise level was measured with the help of a digital sound level meter and a questionnaire survey was conductedamong the studentsto evaluate the perception of noise. The results show that the average noise levels (Leq) in the roadside primary schools varied between the 74.1 and 80.1 dBA, with maximum noise 108 dBA and minimum 57.2 dBA. These noise levels are higher than the permissible rangeof 35 dBA recommended by the WorldHealth Organization (WHO).The high levelof noise was foundto school adjacentbusy road. Duringnoise impact study,the majority of students (70%)expressed that their school are noisy “very much”. They indicated that outside factors are responsible for excess noise in school premises. About half (51.7%) of the students responded that noise distracted their attention from the lesson and only 1% of students suffered from moderate headaches due to noise pollution. In terms of immediate reaction to excess noise, the majority of students (62.5%) had to cover their ears with hands to prevent noise hearing.